Typographical composing machine and matrix therefor



2L, 1939. c. A. ALBRECHT 2,170,001

TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSING MACHINE AND MATRIX THEREFOR Filed NOV. 50, 1956 //v VE/V TOR.

Patented Aug. 22, 1939 JUNITE STATES TYPOGRAPHICAL COMPOSIN G MACHINE AND MATRIX THEREFOR Christian Augustus Albrecht, Berlin, Germany, assignor to Mergenthaler Linotype Company, Brooklyn, N. Y., a company of New York Application November 30, 1936, Serial No. 113,387 In Germany July 9, 1936 3 Claims.

This invention relates to typographical composing machines and is concerned with the support for distribution of matrices from which the line is composed.

In addition to the regular matrices which are circulated in the machine,special matrices known as sorts matrices are sometimes used. These do not run in the magazine, but are inserted by hand into the line, and they are provided with all their teeth along the V-shaped cut used for the distribution, so that they remain both on the so-called lifter bar and on the distributor" bar, and are removed therefrom by displacement longitudinally. This distributing method, however, is only suitable for matrices of comparatively small dimensions, that is to say, for matrices which are comparablein size to the matrices running in the magazines. In recent years it has become a practice to use very wide sorts matrices which are not used with the regular matrices guided in the magazines, but are used by themselves for display purposes or in advertising matter or the like. In the case of matrices of this description, it is diflicult to arrange the teeth in the usual manher, since this calls for a somewhat diflicult machining operation in view of the fact that in order not to impede movement of the matrices upon the lifter bar the teeth must not extend over the whole width of the matrix.

The present invention aims at overcoming these difficulties and providing an arrangement by means of which it is possible for these special or sorts matrices, (which still have to be taken up initially by the lifter bar before they are brought into alignment with the distributor bar) to be engaged by the lifter bar and subsequently to be removed therefrom.

According to the invention, small inwardly projecting plates or the like, are arranged at the head of the matrices, and are adapted to engage corresponding grooves in the lifter bar. The matrices can therefore be transferred from the first elevator to the lifter bar and raised by the latter, whereafter they are again removed from the lifter bar by lateral displacement. V

The drawing illustrates by way of example one constructional form of the invention, and in the said drawing:-

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the lifter bar with a matrix suspended from it;

Figure 2 is a front view of Figure 1, and

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a matrix according tothe invention.

The lifter bar a has the usual form, having disposed thereon and extending over its whole length, seven pairs of ribs, which are adapted to engage the regular matrices provided in the usual manner with teeth. The special or sorts matrices b, which are used, have, according to the invention, no teeth, but merely a V-shaped cut 0, which is large enough to pass over the teeth of the lifter bar and allow some play. Further, the matrix is provided with inwardly directed flanges, small plates, lugs or the like, d which are formed thereon or fastened thereto in any convenient manner. The small plates may extend over the whole length of the matrix as shown in Figure 3, or over part only of the length, or if plate sections or projections are employed may be located only at the ends". The plates or projections engage in grooves e above the teeth of the lifter bar and are held on the latter, as shown in Figure 2.

After a line with such matrices is cast, it is transferred in the usual manner from the first elevator to the lifter bar. Before the lifter bar reaches its uppermost position in front of the distributor, it is arrested and the matrices are removed by hand from the lifter bar by lateral displacement.

In order to obtain a uniform suspension of the matrices and prevent jamming, the lugs and the processes are preferably provided respectively on both sides of the matrices, and of the lifter bar, although in certain cases their arrangement on one side only in either or both cases may be found to be sufficient.

It should be understood that the invention is not restricted solely to the details of the form described above which may be modified in accordance with any conditions or requirements which have to be fulfilled, without departing in any way from the scope of the invention,

Having described my invention, I declare that What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In or for a typographical composing machine, a matrix lifter bar formed with seven pairs of ribs arranged in V formation on opposite sides thereof for engaging the teeth of regular seventooth-combinatio-n matrices and also formed above said ribbed portion with a pair of grooves arranged on opposite sides of the bar and extending along the full length thereof and set back with reference to the upper pair of supporting rib-s, in combination with a sorts matrix having a non-toothed V-shaped cut of sufficient size freely to accommodate the seven pairs of ribs on the matrix lifter bar and formed on the top edges of said V-shaped cut with inward projections adapted to engage in the grooves formed on the matrix lifter bar, said projections to fulfill that function extending in- Wardly to a greater extent than do the teeth of the regular matrices. I

2. As a new article of manufacture, a matrix lifter bar as defined in claim 1.

3. As a new article of manufacture, a sorts matrix as defined in claim 1.

CHRISTIAN AUGUSTUS ALBRECHT. 

